Bandit gets 834 years in the slammer

A man who was dubbed the “Chrome Revolver Bandit” after a series of 14 armed robberies in San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Francisco counties was sentenced today to more than 800 years in prison, according to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Ricky Renee Sanders, 36, was sentenced to 834 years to life in prison today following his conviction in February on 44 felony charges including armed robbery, attempted robbery, assault with a firearm, and mayhem in connection with the robberies, Wagstaffe said.

He will be eligible for parole in approximately 780 years.

The severe sentence, one of the highest of its kind recorded in the county, reflects the fact that Sanders had prior convictions, Wagstaffe said.

“He is a poster boy for the three strikes law and a danger to the community,” Wagstaffe said, referring to a state law that imposes stiffer penalties for criminals with prior felony convictions.

Sanders robbed stores including PetSmart, Beverages & More, PetCo and Gamestop in 2011 armed with a large shiny silver handgun that earned his nickname, according to prosecutors.

In one of the robberies at a San Mateo PetSmart on Oct. 8, 2011, Sanders shot a manager in the leg, according to prosecutors.

He was arrested after robbing a store in San Jose on Nov. 1, 2011.

Sander’s defense attorney argued during the trial that the armed bandit was covered up during the robberies and witnesses may have incorrectly identified Sanders.

The defense also argued that the robberies were committed by Sanders’ friend, Charlie Hustle, whom Sanders claimed to have often loaned his car, ATM PIN and both his cellphones.